dicating vital knowledge and expertise to tackling this global problem. This investment will bring together experts at 14 British Universities and Institutes who will work with famers in Africa and Asia to develop crops that are resistant to disease, pests and drought.
"Farmers need these innovations to protect their own livelihoods and the health of their communities."
Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, said: "This global collaboration will build on the UK's world leading position in bioscience and will benefit millions of people through improving food security in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. It will help us share knowledge and forge closer links with the international research community, whilst improving skills and creating jobs in the UK."
Lynne Featherstone, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development, said: "Staple crops are essential to millions of farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, both for food and income. All too often, environmental conditions and pests cause serious crop failure, with devastating consequences for individual farmers, their families and their communities.
"Producing crops better able to grow in harsh conditions will not only tackle malnutrition, but also increase the chances for families to earn an income in order to afford education and health care, which is why DFID is providing funding to this potentially life-saving initiative."
Sam Dryden, Director of Agricultural Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, commented: "Many small farmers in the developing world cannot grow enough food to eat, let alone sell. Innovation in agriculture is vital to resolve this and we hope these projects will sustainably improve agricultural productivity, build skills and resources in developing countries, and ultimately help farming families build better lives."
Professor Douglas Kell, BBSRC Chief Executive, said: "Providing safe, affordable and nutritiou
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| Contact: Tracey Jewitt tracey.jewitt@bbsrc.ac.uk 01-793-413-355 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Source:Eurekalert |
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